Bible Commentary

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 10. now ] In the great “fulness of the times;” the age of the Gospel. the principalities and powers ] See on Eph 1:21. Here, as there, the reference is to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:10”

And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 9. and to make all men see ] Lit., “ to illuminate all men.” The Latin versions have illuminare omnes. Some ancient MSS. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:9”

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 8. Unto me ] A slight pause and new start here occurs in the long parenthesis. The thought of his commission, and of the Divine power which enabled … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:8”

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 7. a minister ] Diconos, a worker, helper. Cp. Col 1:23. The word implies activity and subordination. “I” here is not emphatic. according to the gift, &c.] See above on … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:7”

That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 6. That the Gentiles, &c.] It is well to pause over a passage like this, and reflect that what seems now to be an axiom of religious thought, the equality of mankind in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:6”

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 5. ages ] Better, generations. The reference (see next words) is to human time, and the periods before the Gospel. unto the sons of men ] A designedly … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:5”

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 4. may understand ] R.V., can perceive; and so better. my knowledge ] Better, intelligence, understanding (R. V.). The thought is, not any laudation of the Apostle’s intellect, but substantiation of his God-granted insight, verified by the spiritual reader, and resulting … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:4”

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 3. by revelation ] Probably at or about the time of his conversion. Act 26:17-18, indicates that the Lord then and there gave him the special commission, and it is likely that a period of special and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:3”

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 2. If ye have heard of ] Lit. if so be that ye heard of. This phrase occasions the question, Could this Epistle have been addressed to a Church familiar with St Paul? And it has thus … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:2”

In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. 22. you also ] He reminds them of the joyful fact that they are special examples of the general truth that “the Gentiles are fellow-heirs.” are builded ] A present tense in the Greek; are building, being builded. It is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:22”